Jim Palenick, the City Manager, elaborates on the historical significance that lends the city its name. “We take our name, Kings Mountain, from the most important Revolutionary War battles fought at Kings Mountain in South Carolina, which is very near here, still maintained as a national monument and park.” He also highlights the city’s robust infrastructure and services, which contribute to its self-contained nature and proximity to the rapidly growing regions of Charlotte and northern South Carolina, injecting a dynamic energy into the local economy and community life. “It enjoys outdoor recreation and is influenced a lot by all the growth and activity going on in the Charlotte region and northern South Carolina,” Palenick notes. REVITALIZING DOWNTOWN KINGS MOUNTAIN In the heart of Kings Mountain, the downtown area serves as a historical and economic hub that the city is actively revitalizing. With a blend of rich history and modern development, efforts are underway to enhance the area’s appeal and functionality. “We have a historic older downtown typical of smaller, self-contained communities like this,” says Palenick. “It has a great deal of history, a lot of attractive older buildings with small retail, restaurants, things like that.” The city recently initiated a multi-phased streetscape improvement project to rejuvenate the downtown area. Palenick mentions, “We completed the first phase. We expect to do phase two this year, and then we’re going through a master plan that will look at multiple additional phases in the future, probably as many as five or six.” The Development Services Officer Matt Blackwell details one of the critical projects. “The City of Kings Mountain is preparing a site in our downtown that is publicly owned by the city,” he explains. “We’re preparing and marketing that site to attract additional hotel space via a potential boutique hotel.” This addition aims to provide much-needed accommodation and bolster the local economy. “It would not only provide for additional economic development downtown but also support businesses and our other recreation and entertainment opportunities by providing folks a place to stay downtown.” RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT The City of Kings Mountain is on the brink of significant growth, with projects designed to expand the housing market, invigorate the local economy, and enhance the community’s overall appeal. “The city has been great,” says Steve Bailey, President of Prestige Land and Site Works, a local developer. “We have a 150-lot subdivision called Brinkley Ridge that just opened.There was a ribbon cutting a week 213 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 08 KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC
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